MBTA PARKING UPDATE

MBTA ANNOUNCES THE ELIMINATION OF THE HONOR BOX PAYMENT SYSTEM

MBTA Parking will eliminate the honor box payment system and space numbers from MBTA parking lots on July 6, 2015. The new payment structure employs a technology known as PayByPhone, which allows customers to pay using any smart phone or any internet-connected device. PayByPhone is already in use by 75 percent of parking customers in the lots where PayByPhone is available. If customers choose not to sign up for PayByPhone, the MBTA will mail a monthly invoice to the address listed on the vehicle owner’s registration. Subsequent reminder invoices and notices of non-payment are accompanied by a fine if the invoices remain unpaid for more than thirty (30) days. Similar to All Electronic Tolling used on the Tobin Bridge, this payment system is licensed-plate-based and eliminates the need to pay for MBTA parking using cash.

Methods of payment:

Effective Monday, July 6, 2015, PayByPhone customers can make payment over the phone or using the PayByPhone app. Sign up for PayByPhone at www.paybyphone.com. Discounted monthly permits are available at most locations.

Payment can be made by calling 1-866-234-7275 from any cell phone.

Customers not using PayByPhone will be invoiced on a monthly basis and can pay online or by check.

Parking prices:

PayByPhone customers pay $4 to $7 depending on parking lot.

Invoice customers pay $4.50 to $7.50 depending on parking lot.

Discounted monthly permits are available at most locations.

Invoice Schedule plus fines and penalties:

Monthly invoice: For parking transactions within the preceding thirty-day period, customers have thirty (30) days from the invoice date to make payment.

Thirty days after the invoice: The second notice will be mailed -- each unpaid parking transaction is assessed a $21 late fine.

Thirty days after the second notice: The third notice will be mailed -- each parking transaction not paid as of the third notice date results in a hold on the vehicle owner’s driver’s license and/or vehicle registration. The hold cannot be removed until all parking fees and fines are paid. A $20-per-ticket RMV fee is added at this time.

Total late fines will be capped at $500 per calendar year per vehicle plus the $20-per-ticket RMV fee.

The new program will be implemented starting July 6, 2015.

Invoice payment:

Invoice can be paid online at parkingticketpayment.com/mbta, over the phone by calling 1-866-658-6081 or by mailing a check or money order to the address listed on the invoice. Please note there is a $3.50 convenience fee added to each violation if not paid within 30 days.

Tickets issued prior to July 6, 2015:

The current notice will be used for these tickets. The first notice is mailed after twenty-one (21) days from the ticket issue date, the second notice is mailed twenty-one (21) days after the first notice date, and the third notice is mailed when the ticket is marked at the RMV.

General information:

The PayByPhone payment structure applies to all parking facilities that used the honor box payment system. Garages and manned/attendant parking lots are not affected.

Surcharges

No surcharge will be incurred for customers who do not use PayByPhone. Customers who fail to pay the monthly invoice within 30 calendar days will incur an additional $21 per parking transaction. After 90 days, each parking transaction not paid places a hold on the vehicle owner’s driver’s license and vehicle registration. The hold cannot be removed until all parking fees and fines are paid. A $20 RMV fee is added at this time.